Abstract
•Mast cell number is significantly increased allover pancreas of Pre-DM.•Pancreatic mast cell count is significantly increased in VAT of Pre-DM.•Macrophages are significantly increased in VAT of Pre-DM.•Pancreatic mast cell count is positively correlated with cellular and molecular inflammatory markers of VAT.
The role of mast cells (MCs) in prediabetes (Pre-DM) is not clearly elucidated. In the current study rats (n = 22 each) were divided equally into; control and Pre-DM (received high fat diet, HFD) groups. Samples from pancreas as well as from visceral adipose tissue (VAT) were studied for the consequent changes.
We detected a significantly increased mast cell count (MCC) in the pancreas of Pre-DM compared to that of control. Frequent degranulation of MC granules was observed in Pre-DM. VAT of the Pre-DM had significantly increased (p < 0.05) macrophages (CD68+) and mast cells (tryptase+) compared to that of the control. A significant increase (p < 0.05) in CD68 mRNA expression as well as in the level of IL-1 β, IL-6, TNF-α and TGF- β1 was detected in VAT of Pre-DM with a significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) with the MCC. All these findings may indicate a potential role of MC in the low grade inflammation of VAT in Pre-DM.